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La Belgique a décroché son ticket pour les 8e de finale du Mondial. In a truly last-gasp effort, Belgium dramatically secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, July 1st, overcoming Senegal with a decisive penalty converted deep into extra time, clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory. Despite Senegal holding a comfortable two-goal lead until the 85th minute, thanks to strikes from Habib Diarra (24th minute) and Ismaïla Sarr (51st minute), the Belgian squad mounted an incredible late-game surge. Successive goals from Romelu Lukaku (86th minute) and Youri Tielemans (89th minute) allowed the Red Devils to force the match into extra time. The encounter had been anticipated as an unpredictable clash between two teams that had shown inconsistent form, e...

DiplomacyMorocco-France trade partnership hits €15 billion milestone with ambitious growth agendaDuring a high-profile gathering of nearly 300 business leaders, investors, and policymakers in Paris, French Minister of Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier hailed the bilateral relationship as "exceptional," built on a shared vision of international commerce that prioritizes equitable trade as a driver of shared prosperity.July 1, 2026French Minister of Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier has described the economic partnership between Morocco and France as "a model for the rest of Africa" during a key event in Paris. Speaking at the opening of the France-Morocco Economic Day, organized jointly by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Fran...

During the formal closing of the first ordinary session of the Senate, the institution's president issued a firm call to the Executive branch. Huguette Yvonne Nyana Ekoume-Awori advocated for a significant reorganization of parliamentary operations, specifically requesting an "equal transmission of texts" between the National Assembly and the Senate, in accordance with traditional bicameral principles. The head of the upper house made it clear that the constitutional framework of a two-chamber system should not relegate the Senate to a mere recording body that simply reacts to the government's timeline. While acknowledging exceptions for specific legislation such as finance bills and constitutional amendments, the president insisted on a new approach for filing draft laws as part of a pus...

Kodjo Akpatigbe, a distinguished Togolese chartered accountant, has been appointed Managing Partner for Deloitte’s operations in Lomé and Cotonou, reflecting a strategic shift toward local leadership in West Africa’s evolving financial landscape. In the sophisticated world of West African finance, Akpatigbe’s reputation is built on precision and deep expertise. By placing him at the helm of Deloitte’s Togo and Benin offices, the global consulting giant underscores a broader vision: leveraging local insight to navigate rapidly changing markets in the subregion. ADVERTISEMENT Mastering regional compliance in the UMOA zone While the public may now recognize him through this appointment, regulators and financial leaders across the West African Monetary Union (UMOA) have long relied o...

The financial operations of the Gasabo Gold refinery in Rwanda have come under intense scrutiny from the United States Treasury. This heightened attention is part of a broader investigation into the economic drivers of instability in the Grands Lacs region, specifically concerning the ongoing tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa. The link between mineral trade and regional conflict The focus on this refining facility is closely tied to the activities of armed movements such as the M23 and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). There are growing concerns among international regulators that the trade of precious metals may be serving as a financial lifeline for groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC). While Rwanda, under the administration of President Paul Kagame, has...

Strengthening its network across Maroc, Uber has officially launched its ride-hailing services in Tanger and Agadir. This strategic move is designed to support the country's flourishing tourism industry and complements existing operations in Casablanca and Rabat. The expansion aligns with Morocco's preparations for the 2030 World Cup, positioning the brand within one of the region's top travel destinations.Enhancing the visitor experienceAs Maroc aims to attract 26 million annual visitors by 2030, Uber is positioning itself as a provider of safe, reliable, and convenient mobility. The goal is to improve the quality of travel for those exploring the kingdom, ensuring smooth transitions from hotels to major points of interest. By simplifying urban transit, the service seeks to meet the evolv...

Libreville — The decision to terminate the long-standing maritime partnership with the European Union represents a definitive shift in Gabon’s strategy for economic independence. June 29, 2026, stands as a pivotal moment in the economic history of Gabon. After nineteen years of cooperation in the fisheries sector with the European Union, Libreville has officially decided not to renew the partnership agreement that governed the exploitation of its aquatic resources. This move is far more than a simple end to a contract; it is a calculated strategic pivot designed to place national wealth at the heart of the country's growth. By concluding a framework that had been in place since 2007, the government is asserting its intent to strengthen economic sovereignty and break away from an outd...

High-tech mosquito control: a game-changer for public health On a pivotal Tuesday in June 2026, the Government of Bénin unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to turn the tide against malaria, a disease that has long plagued the nation. Combining artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and state-of-the-art drones, this project targets mosquito breeding grounds with unprecedented precision. Funded by Japan to the tune of $2.3 million and supported by UNICEF, the initiative is already bringing relief to communities in six pilot areas. A new era in vector control Traditional malaria prevention—distributing bed nets, offering treatments, and raising awareness—has saved lives but left gaps in protection. This initiative flips the script by taking the fight directly to the source: mosquito...

Ruben Amorim has wasted no time making his mark at San Siro. He has just finalized the most expensive signing in the history of AC Milan to secure his first recruit as head coach. The Rossoneri have officially landed Portuguese international striker Gonçalo Ramos in a high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain.A landmark agreement for the RossoneriAC Milan has confirmed the arrival of Ramos for a fee estimated at £60 million (€70 million), setting a new financial benchmark for the club. The 25-year-old forward has committed his future to the Italian giants with a contract running until 2031.This record-shattering deal underscores the ambition of the Milan board to revitalize the squad following a lackluster season. By securing Ramos, the club has eclipsed its previous transfer high of £42 ...

Strategic investment for Moroccan transport networks In a major move to upgrade national infrastructure, Morocco and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have finalized financial agreements totaling 365 million euros. This significant capital injection is specifically designed to bolster the safety and durability of the nation's road and rail systems, ensuring they can withstand modern challenges. The signing ceremony, held in Rabat, brought together key figures including the Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, and EIB President Nadia Calviño. The first component of this financial package involves a 50 million euro loan from the EIB, complemented by a 15 million euro grant from the European Union. These funds are earmarked for the national railway operator, ONCF, to support a comp...

Gabon has embarked on a significant overhaul of its public services, initiating a clear separation between water and electricity management. On June 25, 2026, the Council of Ministers officially endorsed two legislative proposals leading to the establishment of two distinct mixed-economy companies: ''Gabonaise des Eaux'', dedicated to potable water services, and ''Électricité du Gabon'', responsible for electricity supply. By dissolving the integrated operational model previously held by the Société d'énergie et d'eau du Gabon (SEEG), the government is prioritizing specialization. Each newly formed operator will now possess a well-defined scope of activities and more precisely identified responsibilities. This strategic restructuring is anticipated to streamline investment processes and s...